Chapter 39: Illclave“Do you really have to go?” Rosanna asked, cradling Snow in her arms.Ember looked up from his second inspection of his supplies. Among them were six mana recovery potions, a dozen fasting potions, two minor healing potions, and one intermediate healing potion. There were also some dry rations, adding to the weight.As for his weaponry, Ember sported only one wand, capable of firing Tier 4 Windblade. He had bought it only a week ago, costing him a whole 150 iron chips on top of pawning off his Tier 3 wands. Much went into making a Tier 4 wand compared to its Tier 3 counterpart. And its spell was much more powerful too, though that came with a cost in mana as well.He could adjust its casting power by supplying less mana, but Ember didn't have to worry much about mana, boasting over a hundred breaths, which were far more potent than they had been in Tier 1 or 2.He also bore Rain's old sword. After a little sharpening, its edge was as good as new. Now, with his swordsmanship improving, it would be far more effective. Same with archery, Ember could now augment his arrows by imbuing a little mana.“Mom,” he said, “I think we had this conversation last night.”Yes, Ember essentially didn't have to join the expedition. With his young age, he could have gotten some exemptions for another year or two. However, he had specifically asked to be added to the roster of the other Tier 5s of the clan. His reasoning was that actual battle experience was more valuable for skill gains than practising in isolation.He had seen it during his first hunting assignment, though the situation there had been much more stressful than he liked.“And I have already gone on this expedition a number of times already.”“Three times,” his mother pointed out. “You have gone three times, and you almost died on the first trip, and those were small expeditions. This time you’ll be off for a month. And there (...)